Krishnaraj Chonat: An Engagement With The City

Text by Huzan Tata

The artist’s latest show reflects upon critical issues of urban life

Fire

If you live in a city, you’d see the scapes and skylines changing over several years. In his latest show Lotus Eaters, Bengaluru-based artist Krishnaraj Chonat attempts to illustrate his own experiences with these constantly changing urban areas. The artworks – a series of installations – comment on society’s consciousness, and apathy towards urban issues.

5 Questions with the artist, Krishnaraj Chonat

Artistic Motivations “They emerge from the subconscious and through my art practice, I am able to mediate between the inner and outer worlds. As an artist I explore the various dimensions of a single thought, concept or image that then unfolds itself through a visual vocabulary whose proficiency and affect is fine-tuned with each work that I make.”

Inspirations “Life ! The amazing inter-connectedness of every facet of our lives…to be able to reach out to and communicate with audiences through a visual language, and of course the sheer joy and frustration in trying to make sense of oneself, the present and the world around us.”

On the wall at home “The Swamped/Boat by Peter Doig or Exodus by Daniel Richter…Sol Lewitt on many walls drawn adhering strictly to the last possible specifications…”

Concerns that find a place in your art “The predicament of our present, where we incessantly revolve around ourselves, where individualism reigns supreme and is the foremost focus of attention…my recent work involves closely examining and addressing the cultural realm of this issue: a sedated public consciousness that refuses to be aroused.”

If not an artist, you would be… “still an artist, or maybe a farmer.”

Lotus Eaters is on display at Gallery SKE, Bengaluru (2 Berlie Street, Langford Town) until December 11, 2015. Attend a walk-through of the exhibition with the artist, Krishnaraj Chonat, on December 9, 2015 at 7pm.